It’s always to good to start the New Year on a bright note and LCN has recently learnt that the Xeros polymer-based washing system has successfully completed its UK field trials.
The system, which uses plastic beads to absorb the dirt, has been tested both in a drycleaning environment and in a laundry serving five-star hotels. Reports from both are generally favourable, pointing out that the system brings savings on detergent, energy and water. It also produces good cleaning results both generally and on staining.
The full-scale launch is not scheduled until the end of the year but this technology does seem to seem to hold promise for both laundry and drycleaning sectors. Whether this will prove the right time for investment is another question.
However, one factor that could be crucial to its market success is how those that invest in the technology regard it in terms of the total business.
The article on solvents in LCNi November 2011 found that in Europe several drycleaners were installing the latest high-tech alternative solvent systems but failing to make the most of them by actively promoting their advantages.
Drycleaning in particular suffers from a poor consumer image and so any technology that can improve that image needs to be talked about, not just left to do its work quietly in a back room. Washing with plastic beads is a concept that could intrigue the customer but keep explanations simple. Talk about the benefits for their clothes. Some customers will rate the environmental aspects a plus point, so mention these too.
In the textile rental industry, 2011 was dominated by the cotton crisis. That situation does seem to have calmed a little and the suppliers I talked to did seem a little more positive about prospects for the year ahead. But one effect of the rising cotton price is still causing concern. Linen stock is now a very valuable asset and its theft could wipe out a large share of profits. Laundries are now beginning to take security very seriously but the hospitality industry customers may still need persuading that they have a duty to protect linen stock on their premises. It may be a rental contract but that does not negate their responsibility in the matter.
The TSA is launching poster campaigns to increase the need for better linen security and also to change attitudes on linen abuse/misuse, Let’s hope these have an impact.
